DC Government To Look At All Leased And Purchased Vehicles

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- From the police and fire departments to public works, which operates the biggest fleet, city officials are now scrambling to figure out how many vehicles have been bought or leased and at what costs.

DC Mayor Vincent Gray is driving a new SUV that leases for $1900 per month the first year with the cost reduced if the city continues the lease a second and third year. The police chief says she ordered the mayor's car and equipment and takes full responsibility for the Chief Executive's security.

City Administrator Allen Lew has asked for all leasing and purchasing records of city agencies. Lew's 2011 Chevy Tahoe is costing the city roughly $950 per month to lease.

The issue of leases, costs and who's getting a city car was raised by the media after it was learned two luxury Lincoln Navigators were leased for DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown at about $1900 each per month.

Brown has returned one of the Navigators. He never took possession of another because he didn't like the interior color.

Mayor Gray says not one but both of Brown's leased vehicles should be returned.

The Attorney General changed his position in the middle of a press conference on Wednesday and said both vehicles will be returned with the city paying the leasing company for their use and additional costs to the firm for taking the SUVs back.

DC Councilman Tommy Wells, Chairman of the Public Works Committee, is asking for all leasing and purchasing records by Friday.